Special education in Syracuse?

[slk112]

My son is an excellent student (honor roll), and has a 504 plan due to an anxiety disorder. He also has many characteristics of PDD. Have to say I laughed at the post that recommended FM, not so much in favor of that district for special needs kids. There is a BOCES program for children with autism called SKATE. You may want to research that and see if that is right for your child.

[Ladibug1026]

Originally Posted by Pyreneespop

Hi all,
I'm desperately trying to get off of Long Island and would love to relocate to the Syracuse area.Looking at the areas of Baldwinsville or Lysander and a few other outlying suburbs.One of my most important criterias is the school district.I've got 3 young boys ages 7,5 and 3.My 5 year old is on the autistic spectrum (pervasive developmental disorder or PDD to be exact) and it's very important that I not only find a good school district for my 2 "normal" kids,but I also need to find a good program for my middle guy.Are there any locals out there who can help?My family and I need you.

I don't want to misrepresent myself, so let me be clear. I am a fellow Long Islander, also considering moving to the Syracuse area. I am also a special education teacher currently working at a public school on the island. I also have a son that receives some services through special ed.

I've looked into a few of the districts, and IMO the districts that seem to offer the most variety/flexibility in programming for special ed are Liverpool, North Syracuse and East Syracuse-Minoa.

I've gotten some mixed reviews on these districts as a whole. If you go to greatschools.net you can get some basic stats, and compare it to your current district- and make a decision for yourself. The graduation/college stats are a bit lower than what we expect here on Long Island, but I think that's more a socioeconomic and/or cultural factor, and not so much the school itself. The closest school districts to here seem to be Fayettville- Manlius and West Genesee. I personally am leaning toward the Liverpool area.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your current district? Sounds like a mess. I am in Wantagh, and they have always been very accommodating.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Ladibug1026

I don't want to misrepresent myself, so let me be clear. I am a fellow Long Islander, also considering moving to the Syracuse area. I am also a special education teacher currently working at a public school on the island. I also have a son that receives some services through special ed.

I've looked into a few of the districts, and IMO the districts that seem to offer the most variety/flexibility in programming for special ed are Liverpool, North Syracuse and East Syracuse-Minoa.

I've gotten some mixed reviews on these districts as a whole. If you go to greatschools.net you can get some basic stats, and compare it to your current district- and make a decision for yourself. The graduation/college stats are a bit lower than what we expect here on Long Island, but I think that's more a socioeconomic and/or cultural factor, and not so much the school itself. The closest school districts to here seem to be Fayettville- Manlius and West Genesee. I personally am leaning toward the Liverpool area.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your current district? Sounds like a mess. I am in Wantagh, and they have always been very accommodating.

Some other area SD's that would be on par with any LI districts are: Skaneateles, Marcellus, Westhill and Jamesville-DeWitt, along with the other 2. Another district I've heard that is accomodating to students with special needs is Onondaga Central. I knew of an old friend that moved back from AZ to that SD for that reason.